Ryokan is based on totally different concept from resort hotels in Europe or the U.S. I think some disappointment regarding Ryokan comes from that. When staying at Ryokan, cannot have same expectation and same mind set as going to resort hotels in Europe or the U.S.

I think this is simply difference in concept and culture between West and Japan. Not about what is wrong with Japanese Ryokan.

Some of concept is minimalist approach. Once I stayed at Onsen Ryokan in rural Touhoku area in the middle of the mountain. Ryokan itself has history dating back more than 100 years and one of attraction is that old build wooden house and hot spring Onsen, nothing fancy form today’s standard. Ryokan has no TV or radio. No WiFi or cell phone signal in the area. Literally land line phone is the only connection to rest of Japan. Meals are simple, not fancy.

This Ryokan was stereo typical old fashion minimalist approach. I can see the millennial generation can go crazy staying at a place like that. What do you mean I cannot text? However, this place always comes in top five most popular Ryokan by JTB travel agency (one of biggest travel agency in Japan) based on booking request. Japanese like that for short few days getaway.

But same time there are Ryokan which is setting up their property to cater more to non-Japanese visitors.

One example in another spectrum is that western style hotels located in hot spring Onsen area have Japanese style rooms. Where non-Japanese visitors can experience the taste of Ryokan under the Western type comfort of hotels. I understand some will say that is not Ryokan experience at all, that is like going to Benihana at New York City and claim I know Japanese food. I understand that, but I think that can be good option for first time and see for the second time if they want to try real Ryokan or not.

I think cannot just generalize Ryokan as just one type. There are a lot different Ryokan to choose from. If you understand those differences then I think you can make a decision that which Ryokan fits your taste, or if Ryokan is not for you at all.